Branford Residents Graduate From Vista

Alex Drago and Dana Butler of Branford were among the 15 students who graduated from Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center, a nationally accredited non-profit education program for individuals with disabilities. The graduation ceremony was held on Friday, July 10th.

Based in Westbrook and Madison, Vista provides a range of services and programs to help individuals gain independence and achieve personal success.

Alex came to Vista in July 2012 and has worked toward several goals, including accessing the community and developing vocational skills. Among his many achievements, Alex learned how to take the train to visit family and can schedule some appointments on his own.

Dana came to Vista in December 2012 and has worked on identifying vocational interests, managing a monthly budget and strengthening social skills. Her greatest milestones include securing a paid job at Stencil Ease in Old Saybrook and accessing public transportation independently.

Graduation is a monumental occasion that acknowledges the achievements of Vista students who have reached a level of independence and, as a result, graduate from Vista’s Entrance Program— a residential post-secondary program.

Through the Entrance Program, students receive hands-on life skills instruction, vocational training, support and guidance, helping them develop the skills and behaviors needed for adulthood. The next step in their journeys involves living in their own homes or apartments within local communities in Vista’s service area as members of Vista’s Outreach Program.

As Outreach members, Alex and Dana look forward to living on their own.

Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization. Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.

For more information about Vista, please visit www.vistavocational.org.